Patents by Inventor Michael D. Platt

Michael D. Platt has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7847428
    Abstract: A fluid flow energy capture device for power generation has a rotor with a substantially vertical axis and a plurality of vanes. A mount for the rotor allows the rotor to rotate in response to fluid flow such as wind contacting the plurality of vanes, and the mount puts the rotor in rotationally driving communication with a generator. The rotor has an open center which allows fluid communication from spaces between the vanes to above the rotor. A plurality of guide surfaces define channels that bias fluid flow to be tangential to the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Natural Forces, LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. Platt
  • Patent number: 7633177
    Abstract: A fluid flow energy capture device for power generation has a rotor with a substantially vertical axis and a plurality of vanes. A mount for the rotor allows the rotor to rotate in response to fluid flow such as wind contacting the plurality of vanes, and the mount puts the rotor in rotationally driving communication with a generator. The rotor has an open center which allows fluid communication from spaces between the vanes to above the rotor. A plurality of guide surfaces define channels that bias fluid flow to be tangential to the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Natural Forces, LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. Platt
  • Publication number: 20090261597
    Abstract: A fluid flow energy capture device for power generation has a rotor with a substantially vertical axis and a plurality of vanes. A mount for the rotor allows the rotor to rotate in response to fluid flow such as wind contacting the plurality of vanes, and the mount puts the rotor in rotationally driving communication with a generator. The rotor has an open center which allows fluid communication from spaces between the vanes to above the rotor. A plurality of guide surfaces define channels that bias fluid flow to be tangential to the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: NATURAL FORCES, LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. Platt
  • Patent number: 7465147
    Abstract: Portable power generating devices are provided for converting potential energy from flowing water, water current, blowing air or air current to mechanical and/or electrical energy. The potential energy is converted to a rotational movement, and the rotational energy is communicated to power conversion units for conversion, wherein the rotational movement is converted to mechanical, electrical or some other useable or useful energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Natural Forces, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Platt, Eric E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7326020
    Abstract: A method of building a levee or an island is disclosed. The method includes dredging material from a surface of a body of water with a dredge assembly mounted to a hull and supporting a hopper with the hull. The hopper is adapted to receive the material. The hopper includes a floor with a portion of the floor moveable to permit movement of the material in the hopper, and depositing at a desired location dredge material from the dredge using a transfer conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Mudhen, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis R. Thomas, Michael D. Platt, Edward S. Kress
  • Patent number: 7235893
    Abstract: The present invention is a wind power apparatus for driving an electric generator. The wind power apparatus comprises a frame, a vertical axle mounted on the frame and a buoyant hull. The buoyant hull is rotational disposed on the axle. The buoyant hull has a curvilinear side surface. The wind power apparatus further comprises a fan. The fan is mounted on the buoyant hull such that wind rotating the fan rotates the buoyant hull. The wind power apparatus further has a drive wheel. The drive wheel is disposed in close cooperation with the curvilinear of the surface of the buoyant hull such that rotation of the buoyant hull rotates the drive wheel. The drive wheel is adapted to be in driving engagement with an electric generator such that rotation of the drive wheel turns the electric generator to generate electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Michael D. Platt
  • Patent number: 7025553
    Abstract: A multi-purpose vessel for use when recovering material from a bottom surface of a body of water. The vessel includes a hull and a dredge assembly mounted to the hull. The dredge assembly is adapted to recover the material from the bottom surface. A conveyor system is provided, with the conveyor system including a first portion adapted to receive the material from the dredge assembly, a moveable second portion, and a distribution portion. The second portion is moveable to a first position in which the second portion is adapted to receive the material from the first portion and to convey the material to a first desired location disposed a first distance away from the hull. The second portion is further moveable to a second position in which the second portion is adapted to convey the material to the distribution portion. The distribution portion is adapted to convey the material a second distance greater than the first distance away from the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventors: Dennis R. Thomas, Michael D. Platt, Edward S. Kress
  • Patent number: 6935832
    Abstract: Portable power generating devices are provided for converting potential energy from flowing water, water current, blowing air or air current to mechanical and/or electrical energy. The potential energy is converted to a rotational movement, and the rotational energy is communicated to power conversion units for conversion, wherein the rotational movement is converted to mechanical, electrical or some other useable or useful energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Natural Forces, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Platt, Eric E. Platt